We arrived Thursday afternoon after a beautiful if rainy at times drive along the coast. After getting checked in at our Airbnb duplex in Algiers Point we took the ferry across for dinner in French Quarter. We ended up at the Gumbo Shop for dinner. We also enjoyed some jazz at Preservation Hall.
Jake didn't have to be at the conference until Friday afternoon so we got to spend the morning together. We started the day off at Cafe De Monde an enjoyed beignets. We then enjoyed a stroll through the French Market and Jackson Square before cooling off at The Presbytere museum. They had exhibits on Hurricane Katrina and Mardi Gras. It was really eye-opening to see not only how much damage Katrina caused, but also the lasting effects the hurricane has had on the city and surrounding area.
After lunch, it was time to part ways. Jake headed to the conference and Casey was off to her first of several walking tours. The tour was by Free Tours by Foot. If you are looking for an affordable tour company in a city that they operate in we would highly recommend them. Friday's tour was Music, Arts, and More. It provided a great information on the history of music and art in the city as well as recommendations for places to visit over the weekend.
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Some highlights from Saturday and Sunday include more walking tours Treme Neighborhood and St. Louis Cemetery #1. The Treme Neighborhood is the United States' first black neighborhood. Many slaves who bought their freedom from the French or Spanish moved to just outside the French Quarter. It is home to Congo Square, the oldest black Catholic Church, and the Backstreet Cultural Museum. The neighborhood is also home to many musical greats and civil rights activists. If you are ever in New Orleans I would highly recommend the Backstreet Cultural Museum. They have wealth of knowledge about the neighborhood and are having to share and answer questions.
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